Tornadoes in Alabama

Please continue to pray for all the folks in Alabama who have been affected by the tremendous tornadoes that blew through on Wednesday.  None of Johnny's family was hurt, but so many others lost so much.  In Cullman, right near where we used to live, there are complete blocks where all the houses are now flat.  Beverly tells us that the downtown area of Cullman has huge chunks out of it.  No one has electricity, and they don't expect it til at least 7-10 days from now.  (Thankfully, Toby/Bev have our generator, and have been able to use it to power their house!  Praise the Lord!)  The water is supposed to be turned off soon as well, as the city/county is not able to clean/filter it.  From what we hear only 2 grocery stores are open in Cullman (had generators), but their supplies are running out, and only 2 gas stations had generators, so their supply is running out as well.  They are only allowing people to get $20 worth of gas at a time, and the line of cars was miles long yesterday.   The emergency people weren't really prepared for this, so it's chaos right now.  One friend who now lives in Georgia, had a friend drive a generator to AL, so that her mom could cook for large groups of people.  However, the friend was stopped at the Cullman line by the National Guard with M16s.  No one was allowed to come in who couldn't prove residency in Cullman County.  OK!?!?!  So, we are assuming that because of the looting that is going on down in Birmingham, the emergency personnel are trying to keep control by not allowing anyone out/in.  However, that may severely limit the speed at which help can be administered!!!!

Some families down near Birmingham and over in Tuscaloosa lost everything!  At least 4 families with whom we attended church a few years ago......lived in the Shoal Creek Valley and there is absolutely nothing left!  Here's a note we got from a friend the day after...

Dear, dear friends,
>
> It is with a heavy heart I write to you this morning.  We have the
> privilege, and I mean privilege, of having some of the Lee family in
> our home tonight.  They are trying to rest for a few hours after one
> of the most difficult days of their lives.
>
> Many of you know by now that the tornado that swept through Shoal
> Creek Valley was deadly and destructive.  We are stunned and still in
> shock that Tom Lee is in the presence of Jesus.  He died last night
> praying for and trying to protect his family.  Three Lee children were
> transported to St. Vincent's East, Tiffany, Emily, and Jacob.  They
> are stable and being treated for various injuries due to their house
> collapsing upon them.  Jordan and Bethany also have foot injuries
> that may need medical attention.  They were so busy serving their
> family and helping with the rescue that they ignored their own pain.
> Many of the Lees were trapped for hours as they awaited friends and
> neighbors to dig them and cut them out.  Those who have seen their
> flattened home say it is a miracle that any of them survived.
>
> The Crawford family also lost their home and their belongings. The
> Liverett's home is gone as well.  The Boyd's house sustained heavy
> damage and has trees through their roof.   I haven't heard about our
> other friends (how are the Wrights?)  in the valley and so we need to
> pray and be prepared to lend a helping hand.
>
> I see the sun coming up just now and it will reveal what really
> happened in the valley.  I will email you soon with some options for
> how you can help.  But for now please pray.
>
> Love in Him,
> Darby
>
Here's a link to an article the Doug Phillips wrote about the Lees.  They have 13 children, and now no dad......and no home.....and well, nothing.
http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2011/04/9416/

Please pray for all these people.   Heartbreaking.